Kitsune is a common word in Japanese lore meaning "fox spirit." Foxes appear often in Asian mythology and are sometimes shapeshifters, tricksters, and protectors — warding off evil spirits from the ones it protects. A kitsune is said to have superior intelligence, necessary for its extremely long life.
Kira has long been established as a kitsune, but is transforming in recent episodes. Kitusune are often associated with a certain element and draw their power from that particular element. Conversely, they can also be destroyed by their opposing element.
A kitsune can live for 100 years, gaining tails as they age. You can tell how old and powerful a kitsune is by the number of tails they have. Since their power resides in the tails, cutting the tail will result in death. When a kitsune gains its ninth tail, it turns white or gold, and at 100 years, it can take human form. This human form is usually a young, beautiful woman who can’t realize her full powers all at once. Sounds like Kira, all right.
